Exergaming - My fitness Diary

My Date with fitness goes on. As you all know I am trying to be fit and achieve my ideal weight.
I am working towards it with things I enjoy doing and healthy lifestyle.
These days as it is raining I cant go for my walks and hence many a times I am trapped indoors.
As the saying goes -" where there is a will there is a way".
I have started exercising with Exergaming, and already in love with it.

Definition of Exergaming according to Wikipedia.

Exergaming or exer-gaming (a portmanteau of "exercise" and "gaming") is a term used for video games that are also a form of exercise. Exergaming relies on technology that tracks body movement or reaction. The genre has been credited with upending the stereotype of gaming as a sedentary activity, and promoting an active lifestyle.

Basically players perform physically while playing a game hence mixing games and exercise together providing a good cardio/ aerobic workout. It can include dancing, aerobics, martial arts, yoga, tennis etc. depending upon the game.

Video game console - Kinect for Xbox 360, PlayStation Move,  Wii Fit provide Exergaming (motion censored game playing)

 
^{Personally I love Exergaming.}
I enjoy the games and it feels like play and not slogging your ass working out. I love the fact that I am in charge of the varying intensity, the routine and the time limit. I can take a breather whenever I feel like. But the charm lies there in as I don't feel like taking a break, I enjoy it so much that I am pushing myself harder every time.
My Favorite is dancing, boxing, yoga. Its very easy to lose around 160 calories in half an hour with dancing.
Its like your personal dance class in your home, workplace anywhere at your disposal. Its a definitely new form of exercising which is catching up.
I definitely am for it in todays busy schedule and technology(laziness).
I have lost inches if not weight using this in one week.
I use Kinect for Xbox and it sure is awesome. I use dance central(love it) and active sports games, which is free on the purchase of Kinect.


 


Other games I am lusting after are zumba dance fitness, yoga.

Ciao

Stay fit and Healthy!

xoxo
Bhakti

Big Lessons to Learn when small... How to be Happy?

Happiness is an elusive lover if you chase it.
No one is happy all the time The meaning of happiness differs for all. As many diverse things can give happiness to different people. eg Love, life, children, money, success, power.
What is happiness really?

Happiness is a mental or emotional state of well-being characterized by positive or pleasant emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy as defined by Wikipedia.
For me Happiness is satisfaction, content, fulfillment, calm.
Money, achievements, material things, power are all temporary. They cant buy happiness.
Our outlook towards life, relationships, attitude towards living, simple things and basic needs give us happiness.

Throughout our childhood everyone is taught to really work hard to achieve good degree, have a successful career and thus be happy. Where as, a child need to be taught that true success will come with happiness and content. The outlook needs to be changed.
Relationships, family, friends, health, sleep , good diet, compassion, exercise, hobbies, honesty are the simple things in life which give great happiness rather than bank balance, achievement and status in society.( research has proved this)



As I read somewhere 
Just live by the 3C's in Life : Choices, Chances and Changes.
You need to make a choice to take a chance or life will never change.

So... I have made my choice to take my chance for every moment of happiness and change my life into a beautiful melody of happy songs. ( cheesy ;p) But guess that's how I really want to live and this is what keeps me going. Madness to live and be happy....









Be Happy and spread Happiness around, its infectious. ; p 


xoxo
Bhakti




 

Mangolicious .. Mango dessert

Summer is the time for vacations, sweating, travelling and indulging. Summer is the time of arrival of the King of Fruits - Mango (my favorite). the wise have said that you should include seasonal fruits in ones diet ( so how can one not have mangoes). There might not but be few who dislike mangoes.

Some say its laden with calories but hold your breath- Mangoes are packed with nutrients. It has minerals, enzymes antioxidant vitamins. It is a richest source of vitamin A, C , potassium, calcium and phosphorus, fiber. You will be surprised to know it helps in fat metabolism.(awesome na? I feel less guilty devouring one mango after another ;p)
It also helps in eyesight, lowering glucose, anti cancer, anti heart attack, heart rate, blood pressure, increase immunity and many other things.
So it is good to have mangoes but in a healthy way( that means not too many at a go).

There are many desserts and recipes made from mango in almost all the houses.
Today I am sharing a yummy and easy recipe of mine. Which is very easy and quick.

For one tall glass or mug.
1 Alphonso mango ( preferably) pulp ( mix some milk in the pulp to get a creamy consistency and blend it nicely in a blender.
1 Alphonso mango diced in cubes
3- 4 teaspoon fresh cream
1 scoop vanilla ice-cream

Method
drizzle the glass with 1 teaspoon cream
pour in half the pulp
add 2 teaspoon layer of cream over it
add half portion of cubed mango
pour in the remaining pulp over it till the brim of the glass
add a scoop of vanilla ice cream
add the remaining cubed mango over it
drizzle it with cream

TADAA!!!

Lip smacking, sinful dessert ready in no time.

P.S It has dollops of calories so please balance it out in some other way.

xoxo
Bhakti

Add ons accessories - a must add on to any closet. Review

One rainy afternoon I got a parcel from Add ons accessories(yippy!how can a freebie not get a smile to anyone's face.. Naughty smile).

Add ons accessories is a well renowned brand offering a wide range of women accessories at a desirable price. The line comprises of bags, belts, shoes, fashion jewellery, hair accessories, scarves, eyewear etc.. It has many outlets located all over India. It also caters to online customers. 

Add ons launched their vibrant new collection - vivid. It's an instant glam up quotient for any outfit. The collection surely lives up to its name by providing unique and myriad designs. Satiating the taste of diverse range of fashionistas. It gives different looks and trends on the go at a reasonable price. From classy to crazy and cute to wild the collection has something to quench the thirst of any fashion diva.

Here goes my gift...

Its simply stunning, isn't it ? Cant wait to try it on.

Tada!!!!!!!!

Trousers- Max

Shirt-Westside

Bag- Dubai

Shoes- Inc 5

Neckpiece- Add Ons same one available here

Skin Care Journal..

Whatever be the reason - stress, age, pollution, ignorance, unhealthy lifestyle and eating habits, hormones or travel, it shows on our skin. Hence according to me ' Skin ' is one of the most important thing. It is a vital part of our beauty and should never be taken for granted.


For a fresh, supple, healthy, glowing and youthful skin it is very important that we take good care of our skin.


In todays hectic schedule our health takes a backseat and the effects are first shown on our skin.


I myself am a lazy person, I like everything to be simple, fuss free and quick. So I thought of sharing my skin care routine with everybody out there. It is nothing elaborate but enough to keep my skin healthy. As you know by now that I believe in minimalistic and simple.


 Any beauty regime depends upon your skin type and age.
I have a combination skin. Having an oily t-zone, which is very sensitive hence jawline and forehead is prone to hormonal breakout. I am in my mid 20's.

The most common and easiest and basic routine.

CLEANSING- TONING-MOISTURISING





CLEANSING

Make up remover:

Maybelline Make up remover eyes and lips, I swear by this as I wear lenses and this doesn't irritate my eyes at all while removing eye make up. Rs 215 for 70 ml
Lakme 9-5 Dual make up remover is a must buy. It delivers what it promises. Rs 295 for 120 ml
Revlon make up and lip remover is another good but with its creamy concoction and easy usage. Rs 160 for 60 ml
Hip Hop instant make up removal pads are must buy for outdoors, vacations etc. Rs 100 for 30 pads

 
Exfoliator:

St ives apricot scrub- Rs 75 for 28 gms
Neutrogena deep cleaning gentle scrub. Rs 95 for 50 gms 
Lotus apriscrub. Rs 125 for 100 gms









Face wash :
wash your face as often as possible, at least 4 times a day.
I do try many face washes but always come back to this one - Ponds white beauty daily spot less lightening facial foam. It effectively cleans out the dirt and is very sensitive to the skin. Helps in removing the tan a bit. It actually helps in lightening the skin.
Another one which I use is Lakme fruit blast Melon melt and Citrus rain. Just love the fresh fruity refreshing feeling it gives.
Clean and clear foaming face wash is another must try especially for ones with sensitive and oily skin.
Cetaphil is a favorite and most effective with pimple breakouts.



TONING

Toning is essential for closing the pores opened on the skin due to cleaning it. As open pores are a breeding place for dirt, infection and breakouts.

Lotus Herbals basil toner - Rs 185 for 100ml
Biotique cucumber water - Rs 135 for 120 ml -- great toner stings though.
Neutrogena deep clean, blackhead eliminating cooling toner - a great buy , I recommend this product. keeps skin blemish free. Rs 340 for 200 ml







MOISTURISING

Moisturizer is food for skin.

Day cream should protect you from pollution, dirt , grime and ultraviolet rays , hence it should have spf and other vitalities beneficial for the skin.


 Ponds White beauty- spf 20, I like this baby. Rs 140 for 35 gms
Garnier Light - fairness + dark spot prevention-must buy- Rs 80 for 18 gms
Neutrogena Fine fairness cream - spf 20 Rs 299 for 50gms
Lakme perfect Radiance day cream- Rs 99 for 15 gms love this baby but no spf though.


BB cream ( blemish balm)
BB cream is promoted as an all-in-one facial cosmetic product to replace serum, moisturizer, primer, foundation and sunblock. It can be worn alone as a tinted moisturizer, over serum and moisturizer as a regular foundation, and under powder, depending on the desired amount of coverage. Wikipedia definition.

Garnier BB cream - Rs 99 , for instant glow, spf 24, corrects blemishes. Must buy.
Maybelline Clear glow Bright Benefit Cream -Rs 199 mattifies and controls oil and sebum for up to five hours.8 benefits with 1 step.
Ponds white beauty BB + fairness cream - covering spots instantly as well as lightening of the skin in order to reveal a perfect natural look. SPF 30


Night Cream:
 To avoid early aging process, to repair the skin from the days wear and tear night cream is essential. Reduction of fine lines, dark spots, patches, wrinkles and well nourished, healthy skin is possible due to night cream.

Lakme fruit moisture skin renewal cream- Lovee this product, highly effective, it renews the skin in every possible way + it smells awesome. Rs 125
Garnier light overnight peeling fairness cream. - dark spot reduction , dark cell exfoliation, nice product a bit greasy though. Rs 99 for 18 gms
Ponds flawless white re brightening night treatment- revitalizes and nourishes tired skin making it soft, smooth and bright. Rs 449 for 50gms.


Mask:

Rose mask - to hydrate skin
Dabur Gulabari- For radiant, hydrated and refreshed skin. Rs 23 for 59 ml
Aloe Vera pack
everyuth cucumber face pack for acne and detox. Rs 80 for 100gm.
Himalaya Mud Face Pack - excellent for pimples and dark spots. Rs 59 – Rs 68 for 50 gm. 
Lotus Herbals Clay White Black Clay skin whitening Face Pack Rs 210 – Rs 220 for 120gm
Ayur Face pack - I love all the ayur face packs and swear by them. must and best buy. Rs 40 – Rs 65 for 100gm







This completes my regime. The products mentioned are tried tested and suited to me(combination skin). There are many other products in the market. Products which suit our skin best only should be used, which differs from person to person.Products should also be used according to ones age.

All the products mentioned are affordable, easily available, easy to use, low maintenance and fuss free. So no more excuses for not looking after your skin.

Hope this was an interesting read.

which are your favorite products?

xoxo
Bhakti

My fitness diary

I never ever dreamt of being a thin girl. As you all must be knowing by now that I am not thin either. No it's not the case of sour grapes as the saying goes. The point is I was never attracted to the idea of thinness since childhood.
Since young age I always liked the Indian figure, full and voluptuous and even now I am never drawn to the notion or the trend of super skinny or skinny. To be precise my aim is being fit. I was always a healthy and plum kid since birth, so I guess it was always assumed that I am going to be this way forever.

Since childhood I was in different sports and activities but nothing held my attention for long. I like to wander like a vagabond.
I was the fittest when I was playing basketball, but that was like in 11th grade. I use to love it, the game the ambience, the people, my friends - you could say the whole package. That was then, after that I have had fluctuating weight graph till now. Getting fit then back to flab/fat.
Sounds harsh but that's that, the truth. Unhealthy choices, unhealthy lifestyle gives rise to an unhealthy and weak body. 

That's what I want to change and really make an effort to being fit. Blogging about this gives a good boost in the same direction and hence this post. 

I am not going to go on some diet or starve myself , I don't believe in it. I don't believe in gyms either they bore me to death. 

What I am going to do is introduce healthy options in my lifestyle - swimming, dance classes, walks, yoga, eating healthy, cardio to begin with. 

I am going to be fit and this is indeed a start to my journey.




xoxo
Bhakti





 

Weekend Diaries- Sinhagad in Rain

Pune rains are magical they make you fall in love with the nature over and over again. Pune mesmerizes you with its beauty and pleasant climate all year round but come monsoon and the place is vibrant and alive with its splendid glory. The ethereal charm of the city is visible in abundance in the wonderful setting of rainy season.

Over the years the city has grown leaps and bounds and has got many new changes but that age old beauty still is alive. Pune sits picturesquely amidst hills, mountains, forts and ample of country side. Just an hour of half's drive transfers you in the lap of nature.

On one such weekend we took a trip to Sinhagad ( lions fort). It is an eminent historical fort situated on the outskirts of the city. Well perched on the heights of Sahyadri mountains. The fort was conquered by and belonged to the great Maratha warrior - Shivaji Maharaj ( brush up your history lessons ;p)

Its famous for trekking, but we lazy bumps however went by car. The road to sinhagad itself is very pretty and beautiful. the earth is covered by green velvety blanket of trees. The slight drizzle of rain, lakes and dams filled with fresh rain water on our way. We actually felt as if we are travelling through the clouds. The weather was perfect, cool wind blowing on the face. The purity of nature(how I absolutely love it.).

I had a lovely time amidst nature, it was a perfect weekend.

Let the snaps do the talking.



evening - twilight - moonlight









credit flickr



credit flickr













enroute





kanda bhaji (pakodas/ onion rings), simple meals of pithla bhakri sold in small huts atop the fort